Teacher Leadership Graduate Certificate Online

  • Graduate Certificate
  • Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
  • Department of Teaching & Learning

Program Overview

  • 12 credit hours (four courses)
  • Can be completed in one calendar year
  • Cohorts begin in June

Teachers are leaders in the classroom, and they often act as mentors to fellow teachers or teacher candidates. This certificate is designed to prepare you with the concepts and skills to operate as a leader, whether your role is informal or officially recognized.

We designed the four courses in this certificate based on a state-wide survey of teacher leadership needs as well as alignment with the Teacher Leader Model Standards (ETS, n. d.). The topics in these courses apply to K-12 teachers in any discipline.

When you graduate from this program, you will be ready to:

  • mentor and coach teacher candidates, novice, and experienced teachers;
  • operate as curriculum leaders at the school and division level;
  • provide effective professional development for fellow educators;
  • participate in and lead professional learning communities; and
  • advocate for educational improvement and empower stakeholders to participate in the process.

As part of your coursework, you will develop an action plan that can be enacted during the school year. The four-course sequence begins in June and can be completed in one calendar year.

SCHEV has granted approval for this graduate certificate program. It does not lead to licensure or endorsement.

Indicates a required field


















    • 12 credit hours (four courses)

    The four-course sequence begins in June and can be completed in one calendar year. You will take one course each semester, completing the final course the following June.

  • Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

  • Our certificate is intended for practicing K-12 teachers in any discipline. The program will benefit educators who want to explore their capacity as school leaders, whether they are serving in informal or formal leadership roles. This includes:

    • mentor teachers
    • instructional coaches
    • department chairs
    • reading specialists/literacy coaches
    • math specialists/coaches
    • instructional technology support specialists
    • curriculum developers
    • gifted resource teachers
    • teacher support specialists
    • and other informal and formal teacher leadership roles

    School divisions interested in creating a standalone asynchronous cohort for their teachers are encouraged to contact the program coordinator to discuss programming options.

  • In-state Virginia Residents
    $599 per credit hour*
    Out-of-state Students
    $623 per credit hour

    Rates are effective Fall 2023 and subject to change.
    * In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

You'll have a dedicated academic advisor for this program.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements, transferring credits, or application deadlines.

  • You will apply to ODU as a non-degree seeking graduate student. You will also apply to this certificate program. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the certificate program. To take this certificate, you must have:

    1. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university
    2. A valid Virginia professional teaching license or an equivalent from another state
    3. Successfully completed three years of teaching in private or public school settings

    You must also submit transcripts, an essay, and a reference letter from a school or division administrator noting support for enrollment in the certificate program. For complete application requirements and deadlines, please visit the department website.